Patents by Inventor Conrad Bullion
Conrad Bullion has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11969912Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: USNR, LLCInventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
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Patent number: 11772294Abstract: Embodiments of a system for shape sawing wood may include a feed unit and a saw box pivotably coupled to, and suspended from, one end of the feed unit. The saw box may be coupled to the side walls of the feed unit by pivot pins that define a rotational axis. A motor may be mounted to one side of the saw box to drive a saw arbor in rotation. The system may include an actuator that is selectively actuable to pivot the saw box about the rotational axis relative to the feed unit. Another actuator may be provided to move the saw box laterally along the pivot members. The feed unit may be slideably mounted on rails and selectively movable along the rails relative to a feed axis that extends through the saw box and the feed unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: USNR, LLCInventor: Conrad Bullion
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Publication number: 20220055246Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
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Patent number: 11192275Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses may include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: USNR, LLCInventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
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Patent number: 10788265Abstract: Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: USNR, LLCInventors: Clinton Spangler, Conrad Bullion
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Publication number: 20200238562Abstract: Embodiments of a system for shape sawing wood may include a feed unit and a saw box pivotably coupled to, and suspended from, one end of the feed unit. The saw box may be coupled to the side walls of the feed unit by pivot pins that define a rotational axis. A motor may be mounted to one side of the saw box to drive a saw arbor in rotation. The system may include an actuator that is selectively actuable to pivot the saw box about the rotational axis relative to the feed unit. Another actuator may be provided to move the saw box laterally along the pivot members. The feed unit may be slideably mounted on rails and selectively movable along the rails relative to a feed axis that extends through the saw box and the feed unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventor: Conrad Bullion
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Patent number: 10647018Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: USNR, LLCInventor: Conrad Bullion
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Publication number: 20190120553Abstract: Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Clinton SPANGLER, Conrad BULLION
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Patent number: 10161679Abstract: Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: USNR, LLCInventors: Clinton Spangler, Conrad Bullion
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Publication number: 20180272559Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses may include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
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Patent number: 10011041Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses may include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: USNR, LLCInventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
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Publication number: 20180056539Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Conrad Bullion
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Patent number: 9724839Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: USNR, LLCInventor: Conrad Bullion
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Publication number: 20170219285Abstract: Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2016Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Clinton Spangler, Conrad Bullion
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Patent number: 9500408Abstract: Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2013Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: USNR, LLCInventors: Clinton Spangler, Conrad Bullion
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Publication number: 20160332326Abstract: A modular press suitable for use in the manufacture of EWC products may include a plurality of frame modules coupled together and aligned along a feed path axis. Each frame module may have a generally planar body supported on a corresponding pair of bases, an elongate aperture, an upper and a lower platform within the aperture, and a platen between the platforms. Optionally, the ends of the aperture may be curved. A first actuator system may be operable to move the platen from a raised position to an intermediate position, and a second actuator system may be operable to press the platen downwardly from the intermediate position onto a workpiece within the aperture. Some modular presses may include conveyor rolls and a third actuator system to raise and lower the conveyor rolls. In some embodiments, the actuator systems may be pneumatic actuator systems. Corresponding methods and systems are also described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2016Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventors: Samuel Taylor Pope, Laura Hart Meeker, Conrad Bullion, Kevin K. O'Connell
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Patent number: 9168669Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: USNR, LLCInventor: Conrad Bullion
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Publication number: 20150121714Abstract: Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Clinton Spangler, Conrad Bullion
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Publication number: 20140238548Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Inventor: Conrad Bullion
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Publication number: 20140238547Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for shape sawing wood. Specifically, embodiments include an infeed with laterally displaceable positioning rolls and a longitudinal axis between the positioning rolls. The embodiments further include a saw box with a frame and a plurality of saws coupled with a plurality of vertical arbors within the frame. In certain embodiments, the frame is operable to move laterally or rotationally with respect to a horizontal axis of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: U. S. Natural Resources, Inc.Inventor: Conrad Bullion